Earlier, armed police sealed off Elsmore Road, a street in the Fallowfield area of south Manchester, and then carried out a controlled explosion at the terraced house where Abedi lived.

Officers also searched the home of his brother Ismael in the Chorlton area of south Manchester, The Guardian UK reports.

They arrested a 23-year-old man near an address where the family had previously lived, prompting speculation that Ismael Abedi had been detained.

Salman Abedi is thought to have been known to both the police and the security services. A few hours after the attack, Islamic State claimed it had been carried out by “a caliphate soldier”.

A police helicopter hovered over Elsmore Road, and a fire engine was parked nearby as police searched the property where they had carried out the controlled explosion, apparently to blow off the front door.

Ariana Grande expressed her sorrow at the deaths​. ​

The 23-year-old US star posted a tweet saying: “Broken. from the bottom of my heart, i am so so sorry. i don’t have words.”

Prime Minister Theresa May called the incident a sickening act targeting children and young people.

“All acts of terrorism are cowardly…but this attack stands out for its appalling sickening cowardice, deliberately targeting innocent, defenseless children and young people who should have been enjoying one of the most memorable nights of their lives,” May said.

“The attempt to divide us met countless acts of kindness that brought people closer together.”